Scout parent Linda Fitz said she was inspired to include the K-9 soldiers in the collection because she noticed supplies needed for our "four-legged troops" was at the bottom of a wish list.

"I was online looking at what the troops needed and at the very bottom I saw K-9 soldiers," Fitz said. "So I called my vet and asked her what kind of dog food K-9's soldiers should eat."

Fitz's veterinarian, Kristin Yacoboozi, works at the Amherst Animal Hospital. When Fitz called and inquired about the dog food, Yacoboozi said she would contact supply representatives to see what they could contribute.

"I'm a big supporter of our K-9 troops," Yacoboozi said. "They're right there fighting with our guys. Unfortunately, many people just forget about sending dog supplies."

The scouts and Yacoboozi collected high-performance dog food, flea and tick medication, dog toys and even elk antlers for chewing. They collected hygiene products for the human soldiers.

Troop leader and Blue Star Mother Pam Perez-Strohmeyer, said the Girls Scouts have conducted similar events for troops overseas in the past.

"My son is a medic in the U.S. Army and a lot of those dogs are on the battle field," she said. "The dogs sniff out bombs and lead units."

"Blue Star Mothers of America," is an organization founded after World War II to provide support to parents whose sons or daughters are serving overseas. They also volunteer at veteran's hospitals, help with medical supplies, food, clothing and transportation.

Perez-Strohmeyer said the donations will be packed and stored at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 165 Cleveland Ave, Amherst, until there shipped as needed.

Monetary donations for the K-9 soldiers can be made to the Amherst Animal Hospital.